Introduction:
A. If language expresses cultural reality, then ours is a society which embraces second chances.
B. There are many words in our language that relate to second chances.
C. Second chances are important in every facet of human relationships.
1. In the family (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
2. In marriage (Mt. 7:12)
3. In friendship (Prov. 17:17)
4. In our relationship with God (Is. 1:18; 2 Chr. 6:40; 7:1; Jn. 3:16; Mt. 18:21, 35)
D. Three biblical examples of second chances:
I. The Prodigal Son (Lk. 15)
A. The prodigal
B. The father
C. The older son
II. John Mark
A. A faithful servant of the Lord (2 Tim. 4:11)
B. His early days (Acts 13:13; 15:37-40)
C. He took advantage of the second chance he was given.
III. Peter
A. Peter was a successful servant of the Lord.
B. Peter is remembered as the impulsive disciple who denied the Lord three times.
C. But Peter was reinstated and given a second chance (Jn. 20).
Conclusion:
A. We all need second chances (Jn. 3:5; Tit. 3:5).
B. Even Christians need second chances (Rm. 3:23; 1 Jn. 1:9).
C. Why are we so hesitant to ask for a second chance?